Denver mayor touts world energy forum and renewable energy job growth in Colorado

The inaugural World Renewable Energy Forum will come to the Denver Convention Center in a week, bringing thousands of representatives from 66 countries. The event "will be the first time that solar energy powerhouses will come together under one roof to advance the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies worldwide," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said today. "We are excited to host this inaugural event with global energy leaders to discuss how to meet the world's economic, environmental and security challenges through the advancement of renewable energy technologies," said the mayor. While touting the forum, Hancock also said that Denver "is a national leader in the energy industry" and the forum will "shine a bright spotlight on this booming sector." "Job growth is happening right here in Denver by renewable energy companies from around the nation and around the world, and by the city and county of Denver," said the mayor. Hancock said that since 2010, more than 100 jobs have been created through programs and initiatives managed by the city. And as recently as this week, he added, the city has launched a call center and hired three employees to assist Denver residents and businesses on their path to save energy as a part of the Denver Energy Challenge. The program is a free residential and commercial energy program provided by the city to help residents and businesses to cut energy waste, save money and increase indoor comfort and air quality, he said. "Now as we look ahead, Denver's green economy is a top for my administration," said the mayor. "It is our intention under that plan to recruit more businesses in the sector and retain the ones that already call Denver home." The mayor's office noted that in the past two years, more than 20 solar and wind companies have announced they would either expand or relocate to Denver and the region, leading to an overall 6.4 percent growth rate in the energy sector in 2011 . This growth is directly attributable to some of the world's largest energy industry leaders such as SMA Solar Technology, General Electric and Vestas expanding or relocating in the region, which has resulted in the creation of more than 21,000 jobs and Colorado leading the nation in solar jobs per capita, the mayor's office said. Dr. Chuck Kutscher, who is the program chair for the World Renewable Energy Forum, praised Denver. "Denver and the metro-area are widely recognized as leaders in innovative, sustainable energy technologies which is exactly why it is the perfect venue for the conference," said Kutscher. Read more: Denver mayor touts world energy forum and renewable energy job growth in Colorado - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_20540819/denver-mayor-touts-world-energy-forum-and-renewable#ixzz1trREFWRp Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse